Whether you have relaxed hair or you prefer to rock your natural afro-textured curls, clip-ins and sew-ins are amazing hair extension options that can instantly transform your hair into the length and volume you’ve always dreamed of. Both options deliver beautiful results but they each come with their own perks, level of commitment, and day-to-day maintenance.
If you’re torn between choosing the of clip-ins and sew-in, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re breaking down the key differences so you can choose the option that fits your lifestyle, your routine, and your hair goals perfectly. Let’s dive in.
What Are Clip-Ins?
Clip-in extensions are wefts of hair with small, clips attached at the base. They are designed for temporary wear, meaning you can install and remove them whenever you want—no salon appointment required.They are also very easy to install and ideal for beginners, all you have to do is section your hair, snap them close to the root, and blend.
Textured clips-ins like our kinky curly clip-ins comes come in a variety of textures designed to blend with relaxed or afro textured curly hair. This includes our kinky curls, kinky coarse, Brazilian curly, and kinky straight clip-ins.
Benefits Of Clip-Ins
1. Flexibility
Clip-ins are an amazing option for those who love switching up their hairstyles often. You can wear them during the day, remove them at night, and rock a completely different look by the next day. There’s no long-term commitment.
2. Beginner-Friendly
Installing clip-ins is simple, even if you’ve never worn extensions before. With a little practice, you can apply a full set in under 10 minutes.
3. Protects Your Natural Hair
With clip-ins you get full access to your scalp and real hair whenever you want. You can keep your hair moisturized, oiled, and healthy without any tension or long-term stress.
5. Versatile
Clip-ins let you customize your look. Need a little volume for a workday? Add one or two wefts. Want full glam curls for a night out? Add the whole set. You can even style them in a different hairstyles.
Cons Of Clip-Ins
1. Not Ideal for Very Fine Hair
If your natural hair is thin or weak, clips may not anchor as securely and they can tug on your strand incorrectly.
2. Not Recommended for Sleeping
Sleeping in clip-ins can cause matting, tugging, and breakage. They need to be removed before bed, which may feel like extra work for some people.
Clip-Ins FAQS
Can I Shower With Clip-Ins?
Showering with clip-ins is not a good idea at all as the water pressure can loosen their grip, cause them to slip and create tangles at the base. It is best to remove them before exposing your hair to water or protecting them with a shower cap.
Do Clip-Ins Fall Out Easily?
When installed properly, clip-ins do not fall our easily, especially if they are good quality extensions like our kinky curly clip-ins. They only fall out when the clips are attached incorrectly or worn during lots of movement.
How Long Can Clip-Ins Last?
The lifespan of clip-ins depends on quality and how often they’re worn. High-quality human hair clip-ins like our 100% human hair clip-ins typically last more than a year with proper care.
What Are Sew-Ins
A sew-in is a semi-permanent extension method where your natural hair is braided into cornrows, and hair wefts are sewn onto your braids using a needle and thread. This method is popular because it’s extremely secure, protective, and stays in place for weeks.
Sew-ins offer a semi-permanent look that allows you to experiment with different textures, lengths, and colours without touching or damaging your natural hair. They work well for relaxed hair and natural afro textures and come in a variety of textured like our kinky curls, kinky coarse, and kinky straight weave which mimic type 3 curls, type 4 coils, and relaxed hair.
Benefits Of Sew-Ins
1. Long-Lasting Style
A sew-in can last anywhere from 6 - 8 weeks, making it ideal if you want a style you don’t need to maintaining or restyle every day.
2. Very Secure
Sew-ins are very secure since the extensions are sewn into your real braids. Whether you’re working out, dancing, or running errands, they will not move or slip.
3. Great for Protective Styling
Sew-ins keep your real hair tucked away and protected from daily styling damage, weather, and heat. When maintained properly, a sew-in can even help promote length retention.
4. Easy maintenance
Sew-ins are super easy to maintain. In fact, there is almost no maintenance required, you can just wake put the weave into your desired style and be out the door in less than 10 minutes
Cons Of Sew-Ins
1. Requires Professional Installation
Installing and removing sew-ins must be done by a stylist. A bad install—too tight, too heavy, poorly braided—can lead to discomfort or breakage.
2. Limited Scalp Access
Since your natural hair is braided underneath, there is no easy scalp access. So, moisturizing, shampooing, and oiling your hair will require more care and effort.
Sew-In FAQS
How Long Does A Sew-In Last?
Sew-ins typically 6–8 weeks with proper maintenance. Leaving them for longer than that can cause matting, buildup, or difficulty removing the extensions.
Do Sew-Ins Damage Your Hair?
Sew-ins are not supposed to cause any damage to your hair as they put minimal tension on your strands. However if the extensions are too heavy or you leave them in too long without properly taking care of your real hair, then you could experience some breakage.
Can You Wash Your Hair With A Sew-In?
Yes, you can—and you should wash you hair with a sew-in to avoid build up of dirt and oil.. Use diluted shampoo to cleanse your scalp, rinse thoroughly, and dry your braids with a hooded dryer or blow dryer. Then gently detangle the extensions and apply a little bit of hair oil to revive their shine.
Which Is Better Clip-Ins Or Tapes-Ins?
Neither option is necessarily better than they other. They simply serve different purposes and lifestyles. So the ideal one for you would depend on you lifestyle, preferred lifespan, and how much maintenance and tension you want to deal with.
Choose Clip-Ins If…
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You love switching up your style on a whim
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You want something you can remove daily
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You want a low-commitment and beginner friendly option
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You want full access to your scalp
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You only wear extensions for events or occasional wear not everyday
Choose Sew-Ins If…
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You want a long-lasting and secure style
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You’re prefer a professional install from a stylist
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You’re active and need something that won’t slip
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You prefer to keep your natural hair protected
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You want the look and feel of naturally long, blended hair
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a clip-in or sew-in girlie, there is no right or wrong choice. Just choose the one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. If flexibility is your thing, go for clip-ins. If you prefer something with more longevity, a sew-in is what you need. Both offer beautiful results—just in different ways. The most important thing is to use quality hair like our human hair clip-ins and sew-ins for perfect results.